Greetings from your WDVA Director: David Puente Jr.
Vet Corps program relaunches with site locations across Washington
The Vet Corps program partners with colleges, universities, and Veteran service sites to provide peer mentoring and service projects. Members help Veterans — including student Veterans and military families — navigate education, employment, health care access and disability benefits.
Vet Corps will begin its program year on Sept. 16. The program, operated by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), will receive funding through the Washington Service Corps, managed by the Employment Security Department.
Washington Service Corps, a statewide AmeriCorps program, received notice in July that it would receive its annual grant funding, including money to bring back Vet Corps.
Vet Corps has always been about meeting Veterans where they are and walking alongside them as they navigate education, employment and life after service,” WDVA Director David Puente Jr. said. “We’re grateful to the Washington Service Corps for helping us bring this program back, and we’re excited to once again provide Veterans and their families with the peer support and connection they deserve.
Resources Available for Spokane County Veterans Impacted by the August 2026 Wildfires
The devastating wildfires impacting Spokane County have displaced families, damaged homes, and disrupted lives across our community. As emergency response efforts continue, veterans and their families should know that dedicated support and resources are available to help them navigate this difficult time.
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is sharing local, state, and community partners to connect veterans with emergency assistance, benefits, housing resources, and recovery services. Veterans affected by the wildfires are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible to access available support.
Celebrating Those Who Go Above and Beyond for Washington’s Veterans
Across Washington, dedicated volunteers, service officers, Tribal Veterans programs, National Guard members, community advocates, and countless others quietly show up for veterans and their families every day. They help file benefit claims, support grieving families, organize community gatherings, and spend hours visiting veterans in hospitals and long‑term care facilities. Their impact is profound—and often unseen.
Now is your chance to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary individuals. Nominations are open for the Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards, honoring seven people or teams who exemplify exceptional commitment to those who served.
This annual awards program, hosted by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC), recognizes honorees during the Auburn Veterans Day Parade and celebrates them at a special recognition luncheon.
Help to represent your community and strengthen Veteran support. Washington’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) is seeking two dedicated Veterans to help shape statewide policies, strengthen support systems, and ensure No Veteran is Forgotten.
We are seeking applicants from the Yakima, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, and the Tri-Cities areas and for Veterans with service in the National Guard or Coast Guard.
Pierce County installs nearly 600 emblems on fleet vehicles, raising money and awareness for suicide prevention
Pierce County is partnering with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to outfit every county fleet vehicle with a 988 emblem. The emblems are displayed on the bottom of license plates to raise awareness about the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Anyone can buy one, and every purchase raises money for suicide prevention and education efforts for Veterans and military members.
With a total of 573 emblems purchased for fleet vehicles countywide, Pierce County is now the leading purchaser in Washington state, surpassing all other government and non-government partners. At a Pierce County Council meeting yesterday, Executive Ryan Mello challenged other counties to follow Pierce County’s lead and purchase 988 emblems for their fleets.
“Pierce County’s leadership sends a powerful message: suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and help should be visible, accessible, and stigma-free,” said David Puente Jr., Director of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. “By placing 988 emblems on hundreds of county vehicles, Pierce County is expanding awareness of a lifesaving resource while helping fund critical suicide prevention and education programs for Veterans, service members, and their families. We are proud to partner with communities that are taking meaningful action to save and transform lives.”
What's happening at our Veterans Homes and Transitional Housing Program
Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard
Retsil Free Family Fun Fest
The Free Family Fun Fest at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil brought out the very best of the Port Orchard community. Families, neighbors, and friends filled the grounds with energy, laughter, and plenty of smiles as they joined our Veteran residents for an afternoon of games, music, and shared celebration. From kids racing between activities to residents enjoying the sunshine and conversation, the day felt like a true community gathering—warm, welcoming, and full of connection.
What made the event shine even brighter was the incredible support behind it. Our dedicated staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to create a space where everyone could relax, have fun, and feel at home. Their enthusiasm set the tone for the day, and the community’s turnout made it unforgettable. Seeing families mingle with residents, sharing stories and enjoying the festivities together, underscored just how meaningful these moments are for our Veterans.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, pitched in, or helped spread the word. Your presence and support made this year’s Fun Fest a true celebration of community spirit and a reminder of how much joy we can create when we come together. We can’t wait to welcome you back for the next one.
Residents, families, and staff at the Walla Walla Veterans Home have been enjoying a series of themed Resident and Family Gatherings over the past year and a half, each one designed to strengthen social connections and bring a little extra joy to our community. These events offer time to share stories, enjoy refreshments, hear facility updates, play games, and simply spend meaningful time together.
Our most recent gathering embraced a 70s theme, complete with plenty of smiles, laughter, and retro flair. We’re excited to share a few photo highlights from the evening and look forward to more opportunities to connect and celebrate with our WWVH community.
Olympic Middle School Concert at Washington Soldiers Home
Students from Olympic Middle School brought music, energy, and heartfelt appreciation to the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, performing a special concert for veteran residents. Their performance filled the campus with smiles and connection, offering a meaningful moment of community between generations.
The Veterans expressed deep gratitude for the students’ talent and the time they shared.
Spokane Elks Lodge donates brand new televisions to SVH
Residents received an exciting and uplifting gift at the Spokane Veterans Home. Thanks to the generous donation from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, our residents received 20 brand‑new televisions—and the smiles said it all.
We are incredibly grateful for this generous and thoughtful gift. These TVs will bring comfort, entertainment, and connection to our Veterans, enhancing their daily living spaces and giving them more opportunities to enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and sporting events.
Our residents were buzzing with excitement as the TVs were delivered. Moments like these remind us how much community support means and how deeply it impacts the lives of those who served.
Thank you, Spokane Elks, for your kindness, generosity, and continued support of our Veterans. Your commitment to giving back truly makes a difference!
Working at a Washington State Veterans Home is more than a job
Working at a Washington State Veterans Home is more than a job - it's a fulfilling career serving those who served our country. In this video, nurses who have graduated the CNA to LPN program talk about their experience working with Veterans and just how special it is.
National Service Opportunity - AmeriCorps Opportunity
Join AmeriCorps as a VetCorps Member and help strengthen Washington’s Veteran community.
VetCorps members provide peer support to Veterans and military families, helping them navigate education, employment, healthcare access, and disability benefits. You’ll serve at one of up to 15 sites statewide, organize community service projects, connect Veterans to critical resources, and make a direct impact during one of the most important transitions of their lives. Veterans, spouses, and dependents receive priority consideration.
Monthly stipend: $1,942. Rolling interviews begin in late July.
The Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) offers Washington State Veterans a powerful opportunity to heal, grow, and give back through hands-on environmental work. Whether you're looking for a new way to serve your community, want to develop skills in conservation or agriculture, or just want to connect with nature, VCC provides meaningful connection and pathways to purpose and well-being.
LAST CALL: Register now for the 2026 Serving Those Who Served Conference in Wenatchee
Registration will close soon and registration is limited for the 2026 Serving Those Who Served Conference, held August 19–20 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Save and Transform Lives,” underscores our commitment to strengthening support for Veterans and their families.
Join Veteran‑serving professionals from across Washington for two days of collaboration, learning, and practical tools to enhance your impact.
Event Snapshot
📅 August 19–20, 2026
📍 Wenatchee Convention Center
🕒 8:00 am–5:00 pm
🎯 Audience: Veteran resource providers
Past sessions have featured employment partnerships, WorkSource navigation, creative therapies, VA updates, and Veterans benefits. The 2026 program builds on this foundation with fresh sessions designed to inform and inspire.
Your WDVA invites community members, organizations, and partners to share upcoming Veterans events and military observances for inclusion on our statewide calendar. If you’re hosting a ceremony, celebration, training, or community gathering that supports or honors those who served, we want to help amplify it.
The Washington Soldiers Home in Orting is gearing up for an unforgettable summer evening as Hot August Night returns on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. This free community event brings together car enthusiasts, families, veterans, and neighbors for an evening of connection, music, and classic Americana.
Located at 1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E, Orting, WA 98360, the grounds will come alive with:
Car & Motorcycle Clubs — Showcasing unique builds, restorations, and crowd favorites
Military Vehicles — A chance to explore historic and modern equipment up close
Live Music — Setting the perfect summer soundtrack
Car Show Awards — Celebrating standout entries
Food Trucks — Serving local favorites and festival treats
Admissions & WDVA Program Info Tables — Learn more about services and opportunities available to Veterans and families
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and spend time connecting with Residents and fellow community members.
Registration is available via the event QR code. For questions, contact TerryN@dva.wa.gov.
YesVets event celebrates employers, military and Veterans
The National Hire-a-Vet Day Job & Resource Fair, hosted annually by the YesVets hiring program, is free and open to active duty, Veterans, spouses and family members in all branches of the military. Participating employers are YesVets members – those recognized for hiring Veterans.
Before this year’s event began, employer representatives joined event organizers for an opening award ceremony to recognize the winners of the 2025 Hire-A-Vet Employer of the Year Award. Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Chief Financial Officer Terry Westhoff, Washington State Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Workforce Readiness Director John Glynn and Feek gave opening remarks.
Westhoff shared, “YesVets includes 2,651 employers and has helped hire nearly 10,000 veterans. That’s amazing. When you consider family members, that’s tens of thousands of lives we’ve changed. [These numbers are] proof of what happens when employers step up and say ‘Yes.’”
More than 100 employers and service organizations met with 416 Veterans and military spouses at the event. Employers interviewed attendees for dozens of open public and private sector jobs. WorkSource staff offered free help with resume writing and interview preparation. Veteran-owned food trucks were on site to sell lunch to participants and attendees.
